Underneath the title of this book is written that little girls love secrets. After finishing this book, it couldn't be further from the truth. In "Search of the Rose notes" is at heart a psychological mystery, with the emphasis on the psychological. It is also a coming of age story that defines the many types of relationships that shape us, but in the end don't have to define us.
This story is told through the eyes of Nora, now a 28 year old married career women, who unexpectedly receives a call from her childhood friend Charlotte. The body of Charlotte's 16 year old babysitter, who has been missing since November 1990, has finally been found. Her disappearance has been pivotal in both of the girls lives, eventually causing a dissension in their close relationship. As 11 year old children, they try and find or at least explain her disappearance, by using theories from Time/Life books discarded by Charlotte's older brother (visions, transformations, magic, psychic events etc). It is now May 2006, and even though these two women have grown apart and infrequently have contact, they realize that this may be their last chance for closure. For Nora this means returning to her childhood home and confronting the memories of her less than idyllic childhood.
This story carefully unfolds, alternating between May 2006 (the present), 1990(girls were 11), and 1996 (when the girls were 16)
The characterizations are very believable, the dialogue realistic to the angst of the teenage girl, the secondary male characters multifaceted. Whether it be Nora who both wants and fears acceptance, Charlotte who asks questions but does not always listen for the answers, or Rose their older guide, who carries a secret of her own, they were authentic and will remain in my memory.
If you are expecting a clever who-dun-it or a paranormal book, as per the synopsis on the cover, you will be disappointed. If you are looking to read a good psychodrama you should give this book a try. My one criticism was the lack of fear on the parents part after Rose goes missing. This was a small town and I was surprised that both girls were allowed to still walk alone after dark.
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